Research Professional II - Rosenberg

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education ( https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

The Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases (CTEGD) at the University of Georgia is one of the largest international centers of research focused on diseases of poverty. Researchers and students work together on some of the most important causes of human suffering around the world, including malaria, schistosomiasis, African sleeping sickness, Chagas disease, cryptosporidiosis, toxoplasmosis, leishmaniasis, and filariasis.

M-F

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.

1) Design and construct a variety of DNA vectors and tagging constructs using PCR, Gibson assembly, mutagenesis and standard cloning protocols used in T. gondii research. It will be expected that generated vectors be validated and verified for alterations and archived according to lab protocols (glycerol stocks and Benchling files).

2) The genetic manipulation of T. gondii will require the transfection of generated DNA vectors into parasites followed by drug selection and cell sorting techniques to enrich parasites of interest. The candidate will be expected to become proficient at these techniques and produce cell lines which have been validated with PCR and if applicable immunofluorescence documentation prior to archiving.

3) The use of confocal techniques will be critical to improving our understanding of host pathogen interaction. Candidates will be expected to become proficient in the latest imaging techniques in the lab as well as in the analysis of the resulting data. It is the duty of the candidate to ensure that data generated using this system is archived and well documented.

4) The identification and characterization of molecular machinery involved in T. gondii manipulation of the host will require the applicant to become proficient at current proximity labeling techniques and protocols such TurboID. Candidates will be expected to become proficient at the analysis of Mass Spectrometry data generated in this project and use that data to prioritize potential protein targets followed by tagging/deletion of relevant genes to investigate their function in greater detail.

5) Data generated during this project will be used to produce both grant applications and journal manuscripts and candidates will be expected to contribute both intellectually and in the form of data figures to this process. Monthly updates and research in progress presented to the entire research group, CTEGD and Cellular Biology Department will be expected.

6) Successful candidates will also be expected to contribute to the training and mentoring of graduate students and post-doctoral trainees in the lab. This will include guidance in the troubleshooting of experimental procedures and the demonstration of various lab-based techniques and analyses.

The primary goal of this position is to advance our understanding of the eukaryotic pathogen interaction with its host using the parasite Toxoplasma gondii as a model organism. A research professional in this area will actively design and execute research projects related to the molecular dissection of the T. gondii secreted effectors function in manipulating host cell signaling. Additionally, the incumbent will contribute to and support the culture of the lab which seeks to foster an active and engaging intellectual environment.

The incumbent will seek to develop a clear grasp of the historical and current literature surrounding T. gondii with an in-depth understanding of molecular techniques currently available and of the parasite biology, life cycle and host disease progression. As part of the routine experimental work the incumbent will be needed to become proficient in the routine culturing, host cell infection, and freezing/archiving of parasites and derived parasite cell lines within the lab and adhere to the standards of working in a BSL-2 facility.

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Molecular Parasitology:Carry out experimentation involving the cultivation of parasites in in vitro culture, generation of deletion and tagging DNA vectors and the use of these tools to transfect, drug select and ultimately characterize the function of proteins of interest in our model organism T. gondii. In addition to the use of molecular tools to identify and characterize the molecular mechanisms employed by T. gondii to manipulate its host, the incumbent will be needed to become proficient in cutting edge microscopy techniques as well as the preparation of sample for Mass Spectrometry and the analysis of data derived from these experiments. This work will involve the researcher becoming familiar with current literature, and based on available data, to design experiments to test proposed hypotheses.

Data Analysis, Record Keeping and Communication:An important dimension of this research position is the analysis of acquired data and the proper archiving of important DNA plasmids, reagents, cell lines and raw/analyzed data sets. Additionally, the presentation of progress both in the form of weekly updates, lab meetings, and local/international conferences and seminars will be crucial to supporting the lab's mission of tracking and communicating our progress to the wider scientific community.

Supervision and Support of Laboratory Trainees: In addition to personal career goals, it is important that the skills and knowledge that we gain are transmitted effectively to trainees (e.g. undergraduates, graduate students and post-doctoral fellows). It is expected that the incumbent provide periodic guidance and training in laboratory techniques and experimental design to junior researchers as part of our wider educational mission.